The Green Bay Packers are set to prioritize fortifying their defense during the upcoming NFL offseason, with a comprehensive restructuring of their defensive coaching staff in progress.
The team has initiated the process, actively seeking new additions, or as they fondly refer to them, ‘their boys,’ to bolster their defensive lineup. One notable area of focus is the safety position, where the team is already expressing interest in a seasoned player.
Ahead of the 2024 season, the Green Bay Packers have engaged in discussions with a potential starting safety. During the introductory news conference, Fox Sports 6’s Lily Zhao highlighted insights from the new defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, particularly emphasizing his vision for the post-safety role.
Hafley envisions a safety with ‘eraser’s skills”—someone proficient in man coverage, effective communication, sideline-to-sideline range, ball-hawking abilities to create turnovers, the ability to thwart explosive plays, and solid tackling skills.
In the pursuit of a player embodying these qualities, the Packers are considering Evan Williams. The safety, formerly with Oregon, transferred from Fresno State and contributed significantly during his final season with the Oregon Ducks.
Williams boasts a career total of 308 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, five and a half sacks, 14 passes defended, and four interceptions. His standout performance in 2023 earned him a spot on the All-Pac 12 second team.
Despite an impressive lone season with the Ducks, where he recorded four and a half sacks and 82 tackles, Williams did not receive invitations to prestigious events like the Senior Bowl or the Shrine Bowl. To enhance his draft stock, a successful Pro Day may be crucial.
In mock selections, Williams is projected to be chosen between the fifth and seventh rounds. The Packers could potentially take a calculated risk by selecting him, viewing him as a hidden gem with the potential to make a significant impact when the team needs it the most.”
